Wheels

As most of you probably know, car tyres can be expensive – making it very important for you to prolong your tyres’ life as much as you can. People take many approaches to extending the lifespan of their tyres, but some ignore the issue altogether. Tyre wear is caused by a variety of factors, which we’ll discuss in the article below.

Why Tyres Wear Out

Tyres wear out for many reasons, and the average motorist is unaware of some of them. Before buying your next set of car tyres, try taking preventive measures to make them last longer. Below are some of the most common reasons for tyre wear:

Improper tyre pressure – Before long trips and at regular intervals, check the air pressure in your tyres. Driving with pressure that’s too low causes premature wear, while pressure that’s too high causes handling issues. Check the pressure when tyres are cooled off for an accurate reading.

Driving habits are another reason for tyre wear. Too-quick acceleration and braking can decrease the lifespan of your tyres, as can driving over curbs and speed bumps.

Road debris can cause issues when they become wedged in tyre tread. Check for debris, as well as uneven wear and bulging. Anything stuck in your tyres’ tread will cause them to wear out faster, and these issues should be handled straight away.

Brake dust can cause tyre wear, as it erodes their protective coating. To avoid it, use dust shields and low-dust brake pads.

How to Increase Your Tyres’ Lifespan

Now that you know why your tyres wear out, you should know how to make them last longer. Here are some tips on increasing the lifespan of your tyres:

Drive slower. Too-harsh braking and acceleration can put a tremendous amount of strain on your tyres. Limit fast starts and stops, and drive slower in general. By slowing down a little, your tyres will last a lot longer.

Get your tyres rotated and aligned. Having tyres rotated and aligned regularly will ensure that they wear evenly.

Check the tread. You should have at least .32cm of tread on all four of your tyres to avoid losing traction in wet and muddy conditions. To test the tread, put a penny in the groove. If you can see most of the penny, your tread may be too low.

Tyres are one of the most important parts of your car. They’re your car’s point of contact with the road, and they help to keep you and your family safe while driving. To reduce tyre wear and motor safely, follow the tips above.

People decide to buy alloy wheels for many reasons – they want to make their cars look better, or they may need to replace rims damaged in an accident. There are alloys available in almost every size, and there’s sure to be a set that suits your car perfectly. Here, you’ll learn what to look for when buying alloy rims in Australia.

Size is Important

No matter what you’ve been told in the past, size matters. Wheel width and diameter are two factors limiting your choice in wheel design. 22 inch wheels may make some vehicles look ‘flashy’, but they may not work with your car or 4wd. The most popular choices in Australia go up to about 17″, which are suitable for almost every passenger vehicle. Wheel size is a factor in maintaining the wheel/tyre combo’s rolling radius, and in ensuring that no tyre rub takes place inside the wheel wells.

Finding the Perfect Fit

Proper wheel fitment has two aspects: offset and PCD. A wheel’s offset is the measurement from its centre line to its mounting face. For most cars and 4x4s, offset is positive and the wheel rests under the car’s body. Some 4x4s, however, have a negative offset, which allows the wheel to protrude from the vehicle’s body. PCD, or pitch circle diameter, is a measure of the wheel’s stud pattern. Finding wheels with the right PCD and offset ensure that your drivetrain and suspension don’t suffer premature wear.

Looks

Your tastes will go a long way in helping you choose the right wheels. Many Australians choose alloy wheels as a way to improve the looks of their vehicles; when choosing a new set, colour, finish and spoke pattern are all important. The design of your new wheels will determine how often you have to clean them; for instance, polished alloys require frequent care.

Value

In today’s poor economy, cost is a very important consideration. Alloy wheels are often considered a luxury, but many brands sold here offer a great value for the price. If you consider all of the factors above, your purchase will be successful and you’ll get the wheels you want.

Alloy wheels can change the looks of your car or truck, and they’re an easy way to make a statement that the whole world sees. However, like other kinds of wheels, they get dirty – fast. Road grime and dirt builds up when you drive, and it can make your entire vehicle look dirty. For that reason, it’s important to learn how to clean your alloys and keep your car or 4wd looking as new as possible. It’s not hard to clean your wheels, as long as you follow the steps below.

Rinse your wheels thoroughly. When your alloys get dirty, you should rinse the loose debris, dirt and dust as soon as possible. It’s a simple task, easily done with a garden hose and a spray nozzle.

Rub them gently. With a damp sponge, rub away the dirt and dust that the hose didn’t remove. Doing so will keep you from scratching the wheels when you scrub them later.

Remove debris and dirt. Buy a professional cleaner specifically designed for alloys, and apply it with a sponge. It will take some effort on your part, but this step will remove most of the caked-on debris and dirt. For inaccessible places, use a spoke or caliper brush.

Rinse the wheels once more. The cleaning solution is useful, but it shouldn’t stay on your wheels. Rinse it away thoroughly.

Dry your wheels carefully. Don’t use a kitchen or bath towel for this step – pick up a chamois or a microfiber cloth, which is specially designed to remove moisture without leaving fibers behind.

Take away the stains. While the steps you’ve followed are certainly effective, some stains are tougher to remove. However, household items such as aluminium foil, cola and vinegar can help.

Wax the wheels. A good coat of wax will help your wheels shine their brightest, and it will give them a layer of protection from road grim and the elements. For optimal results, apply a fresh coat of wax every three months.

Alloy wheels have many advantages, and they’re a great addition to any vehicle – but they require regular maintenance to stay looking new. By following the steps we’ve listed above, you can keep your alloys looking bright for years to come.

When you need new tyres on your 4wd, you probably want to know if it’s worthwhile to splurge on a more expensive set. A trip to a local tyre shop will leave you with a variety of options and price points; with the rising cost of insurance and fuel, you may be looking for other ways to save. Before deciding which tyres to buy, you should consider the effects of discount tyres on the performance and safety of your vehicle.

Safety

Your car’s tyres are one of its most important safety features. Even the best brakes and traction control systems are only as effective as the tyres’ traction. Tyre quality affects your car’s braking distance; a higher-quality tyre can get you stopped quicker than a cheaper alternative. Tyre price and quality can mean the difference between having an accident and avoiding one.

Lifespan and Performance

By paying a bit more for your tyres, you’re also paying for the R&D that’s gone into the tyre itself. A tyre’s materials determine its quality – premium tyres are made to be more durable, and they offer greater steering precision and fuel economy. Cheaper tyres typically wear more quickly and require frequent replacement.

Paying more for a better tyre means that you’ll get a set that’s better suited to the roads you drive, and to the way you use your vehicle. Try to find tyres that strike a balance between traction, ride quality, lifespan and low noise.

Your Budget

There are so many different tyre brands available in Australia, and at so many price points, that it can be difficult to make the right choice. It’s important to keep in mind that a low price is often associated with a shorter lifespan and decreased durability. By buying cheaper tyres, you’ll lull yourself into a false sense of economy, and you’ll replace your car’s tyres more often. Like many other things in life, with tyres, you really do get what you pay for.